Upgrading from SX40

I've been using a Canonsx40 as my super zoom for about 5 years.  I want to move to a newer super zoom and of course I'm looking at SX50 and SX60 and read a little about SX540.  I have Canon G11 that is still quite pleasing, and I have a Canon Rebel with 3 lens but don't plan to buy a loner (have 55-250) lens for the Rebel that would replace the SX40 (or whatever I buy).  I have been looking at Nikon, Panasonic and Sony super zooms as well.  Anyone have any advice about Canons or the switch you might have made?  Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

I went from SX40 to SX60 then back to SX50.  The 40 was a great camera but I shoot a lot of ship photos and required a bit more reach at times.  Cropping with these small sensor cams isn't a good option especially at the long end.  TheSX60 was not quite as expected at the long end so I sold it when a super deal on a SX50 come up.  It is a good all rounder.

I am now waiting to see what the SX70 will offer.  I do hope it wont be 70x.  A 60 with the 50s lens would be just right for my use.  It might be worth waiting for.  No one knows.

asburydan wrote:

Thanks for your thoughts. I've read in various places of folks who prefer the 50 to the 60.

Actually I am one of the few who preferred the 60 for its overall ergonomics.  Canon simply pushed the zoom too far for competitive reasons. But it's not just the lens that makes or breaks a camera.  The engine (Digic) can correct a lot of hardware corner cutting.  This is true for all electronic instruments.  String together cheap and minimum parts and make electronic corrections.

So I don't seem to be too down on the new age producers I must add that what we have today is mind boggling indeed.  And what's to come will be even more so.  Just keep your wallet out and we will all be fine.  I should ad that nothing beats big sensors, big lens and big money.  

I went from an SX40 to an SX60 and I love it.  I know most people here prefer the SX50 but I've never had one so I can't compare the two.  I went on a cruise to Alaska with the SX60 and was thrilled with the pictures I was able to get.  I carry it everywhere.

Darla

Darla G wrote:

I went from an SX40 to an SX60 and I love it. I know most people here prefer the SX50 but I've never had one so I can't compare the two. I went on a cruise to Alaska with the SX60 and was thrilled with the pictures I was able to get. I carry it everywhere.

Darla

I agree with your assessment.  I tested both and the SX50 very slightly won out because at the extreme tele end the 60 was a bit less sharp.  Many factors.  Added distance , more atmospheric problems.  IS pushed harder.  Optic design problem with such a zoom range.  The Digic engine needs upgrading.  The wider end extended the zoom range nicely but adds to lens design problems.

I too feel that the 60 overall is a very good camera and the 70 has a good base for improvements.  Perhaps a new engine will help.

weezy wrote:

I upgraded for the simple reason that Canon moved the timer OFF the dial. I'd invariably hit it if I wasn't looking directly at it. A timer is something I rarely use and turning it on when I didn't want it annoyed me no end.

Yes, that dial has been a bit of a problem.  Always inadvertently pressing the outer part with the thumb base.  I partly cured that with a stuck on small pad cut in a crescent  shape up against the outer edge of the dial.  That was on my SX10, SX40 and current 50.  Can't remember if the 60 was a problem.

I went from SX40 in 2012 to SX50 end of 2012 because of RAW and today
I bought a G3X set
Could borrow it for some days in November, and I liked it.
Price dropped incl EVF so I bought it today.
The Panasonic (1000/2200-2500) and Sony (RX10) stuff is great but they look too profi and both are too bulky.
If you don't use RAW there are other choises.

Happy shooting !

I gave my SX40 to my daughter last year as I had moved on to a full DSLR and really didn't have a need for it anymore. Things I loved? Super stalker lens. I was amazed when I got it and brought it to the Caribbean and focused all the way out on a "speck" in the horizon to see it was actually a huge cruise ship. Loved the ability to capture such detail from a distance as in the attached picture. And, no lenses to change. What I did not like was how difficult it was to get a proper focus as soon as you start zooming out. So my question is, what are you missing that you want to upgrade to another bridge camera?

I used SX20 for some years. Then followed the discussion here and it turned me away from SX60. Then checked the Coolpix list for some time and bought P610.

I like the weight, shape, grip, EVF, LCD. But have to find ISO and WB under the Fn button. Focusing can be slow in low light. ISO 400 and 800 OK, better than expected. And you have to use 400 often if it's not sunshine. The noise mostly very fine, the opposite of SX20! Especially green background. Stabilization very good. Sitting in a chair with my elbows on the armrest took video of a songbird at 60 X zoom. More steady than I could imagine! Same goes for stills. And it was very cheap, when you think of the quality. A wonderful camera in many ways.

Some say it needs ajustment to be sharp enough. Not much of a problem. See I have a minus behind NR. Very helpful people at the Coolpix list.

asburydan wrote:

Time to say thank you again for your thoughts and time to respond. I have Canon G11 that is very handy for many situations.

And I have G10, very useful for macro and a very good battery that can take more cold than I can. Have a feeling these cameras can last for a long time.

Hi.  I am new here.  I am a long time user of the sx40, which I love.  But ever since I've gotten into wildlife and bird photography a few years ago, it became obvious that, as large as the lens on the sx40 is, the bigger, the better.  So I decided to upgrade.

I've looked at numerous reviews not only on the sx60, but also the Sony and Nikon versions.  I ruled out the Sony as the Canon seemed to excel in numerous categories.  Plus, it doesn't have the wonderful swivel LCD screen.   And the Nikon was too heavy and bulky to be carried around in the field, especially during my travels.  And a DSLR was just out of the question, way to expensive.  Plus, I have long ago tired of carrying around multiple lenses.

So, I finally ordered the sx60.  The sx50 is of course discontinued.   The overall majority of reviews I've read were positive.  Both professional and user.  I have also seen the reports here and on other sites that some people have complained about issues concerning grain, especially in low light situations.   In all likelihood, the user had the camera set incorrectly.  I've seen examples on flickr and elsewhere of the pictures taken with the sx60 and am impressed.  Including some taken in low light situations, such as astronomical photos of the moon.

So, it essentially amounts to having the right settings when the photo(s) is taken.

Just my 2 cents.

Oh, and an extra tidbit.  I have so far had 2 shows and have multiple photos taken with the sx40 on Dreamstime, Flickr and 500px.